The Latest: Removing Collins from NY ballot won’t be easy

NEW YORK – The Latest on U.S. Rep. Chris Collins announcing that he will not run for re-election (all times local):

2:10 p.m.

Republicans in New York state are scrambling to figure out how to legally remove Rep. Chris Collins from the November ballot and replace him with another candidate.

Collins announced Saturday he will suspend his re-election campaign pending his indictment on insider trading charges.

But it is unclear whether Collins’ name can be removed from the ballot and whether Republican Party officials will be able to nominate another candidate for the seat.

Under New York state election law, Collins’ name could be taken off the ballot under narrowly defined circumstances that include death, disqualification or being nominated for a different office.

State Republican Party spokeswoman Jessica Proud says party officials are weighing their options.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi says Collins should resign immediately. She called his announcement Saturday “insufficient and overdue.”

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11 a.m.

Republican U.S. Rep Chris Collins says he will no longer run for re-election after being charged with insider trading.

Collins said in a statement released Saturday he will suspend his re-election campaign and fill out the rest of his term.

The New York congressman was arrested Wednesday on charges he used inside information about a biotechnology company to family members so they could profit from illicit trades. An indictment was unsealed in federal court in Manhattan. He has denied any wrongdoing.

His announcement comes a few days after he said he would remain on the ballot despite the charges.

His statement said he’s ending his campaign in the best interest of his constituents, President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.